An Improved Topographical and Historical Hibernian Gazetteer ... Scientifically arranged, with an appendix of ancient names. To which is added, an introduction to the ancient and modern History of Ireland

Appendix

OK ANCIENT NAMES TO WHICH IS ADDED, AN

Introduction

TO THE ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF IRELAND. BY THE REV. G. HANSBROW " Thrones fall, dynasties change. Empires decay and sink, Beneath their own unwieldy weight ; Dominion passeth like a cloud away. The imperishable mind, alone, Survives all meaner things." Yocno. DUBLIN : RICHARD MOORE TIMS ; WILLIAM CURRY, JUN. AND CO. i JOHN ROBERTSON AND CO. KING AND CO., CORK; MARKS, WATERFORD; SIMMS ANO MAULS BELFAST; CAMPBELL, DEHRY ; M'KERIN, LIMEIUCK ; V.HEELOCK, WEXFORD ; COLLINS, DROGHEDA ; DUNLAP, COLERAINE ; PUB.- CEL, TKALEE ; KYTE, CASHEL ; BLACKHAM, NEWRY ; BOLK, castlebar; devir, westport ; and OTiimt booksellers. MDCCCXXXV. Printed by Thomas I. Wliite, fi5, Fleet Street. TO THE *\c<St»cnt Wo&slttj>, «Hersw, anti (Stntrp of £relantf, THE ANNEXED WORK IS HEREBY HUMBLY DEDICATED ; AND MOST GRATEFULLY SO, TO THOSE WHO HAVE PATRONISED THE COMPILER IN HIS FEEBLE ATTEMPT: SINCERELY WISHING THEM ALL THE PLEASURE AND PROFIT THAT SUCH A WORK IS CALCULATED TO AFFORD, WITH EVERY OTHER BLESSING THEY REQUIRE, FOR TIME AND ETERNITY. HIGHLY RESPECTED AND BENEVOLENT FRIENDS, I HAVE THE HONOUR OF BEING YOUR MOST OBLIGED SERVANT, G. HANSBROW. October, 1835.

Preface

. THE utility either of History or Topography is so self evident, that no apology is necessary for presenting such works to a candid and discerning Public : while the di vine, the moralist, the patriot, trader, or mechanic, will have ample room therein for their research and improvement, the traveller will have a useful aud pleasing companion ; the antiquary, also, and philosopher, will each enjoy — " A feast of reason, and a flow of soul." Who can behold or reflect upon our many stately ruins, without being warned of our own approaching dissolution ; while the generous patriot reveres them, with the history of their sad reverses, as he does tbe wounds of the worthy veteran — such to the stoic will be venerated more than the most regular beauty would be by the most gallant or gay. These ruins remind us of Ireland in the zenith of her glory : from what — by whom — and when — she fell among the nations ; aud how near a kind Providence had a protector, ready, able, and willing to raise her from her fall ; and, however faithful to her trust, England — noble and ever dignified — has been to relieve tbe distress of enemies, much more to comfort or to save her friends.

In a nation so ancient and respectable, as Ireland must be considered, posterity will ever look, with anxious curiosity, to tbe times and deeds of their renowned ancestors, and will feel much pleased in discovering any trace of their descent. This principle of nationality, so strong in all civilized nations, is peculiarly so in the true-born and naturalized Irish, while even the rudest stranger would partake of our joys. During the prosecution of this work the Compiler was often led to believe, if our ungrateful and tasteless absentee gentry had only read tbe topography of their own country, much of the time and money they have spent in foreign lands, would have been more usefully spent at home ; and they would also have found, on trial, few parts of the world more deserving of notice than poor, deserted, ill-fated Ire land.

And who would not be animated with more love of country than ever, on reading of the antiquity of our re cords, the prowess of our heroes, tbe learning and piety of our ancients— besides reflecting on the sublime beauty of our national scenery ; the fertility of our soil ; the worth of our numerous mines, of all classes ; the salubrity of our air ; tbe many virtues of our numerous spas ; our beautiful lakes, mountains, glens, caverns, and rivers, not equalled in Europe ; along with many other perfections, which Hea ven has conferred on our beloved country ? — Hence what a shame for any person connected with Ireland not to have explored the matchless beauties of our native land ! The deficiency of works of this sort can only be ac counted for by tbe difficulty, time, labour, and expense, required for such a production ; hence, nearly thirty years have elapsed since the Compiler has been collecting mate rials for this work, during the intervals of his arduous mi nisterial labours.

It is not difficult to believe that a real love of country will ever produce respect for the sovereign and submission to the laws ; and what more effectual means for this very desirable end, than an intimate acquaintance with our national and topographical history ? This work is so portable as to enable each to enliven their domestic circle by reviewing our national treasures in their native hall, with little expense or trouble, while the pleasure arising therefrom will constrain them to respond most cordially, O lovely island, Bright gem of the ocean, Blest isle of the sea ; Long, long may'st thou flourish, And never decay." It might be considered ostentatious to the uninformed to mention the sources of our information, but " Palmam qui meruit palmam," will, with the enlightened, always stand good ; and hence we must mention the celebrated names of Scaligcr, Camden, Rapin, and the Psalters of Cashel and Tara, for our most ancient records; with Tem ple, Petty, Vallancey, Ledwich, Leland, O'Connor, Kea ting, Walker, Seward, Beaufort, Smith, Wright, Harris, and O'Halloran, with some others, of modern date.

Some perhaps will say, that such a work as this did not belong to the sphere of the Gospel Minister ; — to whom we would reply, why did Moses write the history of the Cre ation? or, why did St. John write the topography of the New Jerusalem, by Divine authority ? Because tbe former was designed to remind the world of our origin, and the design of Providence for our being; while the latter was given to inform us of those supreme delights which Heaven has in reserve for all that love his appearing. It would ill become any Compiler, but especially a Gos pel Minister, to stamp tbe character of his own work ; but it is humbly hoped that the great difficulty attending such an enterprise, may be an apology for its defects. Critics we know there are, to whom we would say, " That mercy I to others shew, That mercy shew to me."

Critics we also know many pretend to be, who strive to prop their falling hopes, by censuring others ; for such we have neither hope nor fear ; but this we can say, our attempt has been founded on truth. Our natural warmth of affection for the land of our fathers, may have led to some partiality ; but this, with the truly liberal, will not be looked on as too intrusive. Our beloved country requires little of the native pen to decorate its character, when it is known bow largely the venerable Bede, Scaliger, Ptolemy, and Spencer, have not only prepared, but actually laid on their canvas, with variegated colours, in their masterly manner, aloDg with the almost inspired volumes of the Universal History ; while the most distant climes and eras have borne similar testimony, which has seldom been withheld, only by those who have been supported by the misery, and fattened on the spoils, of our beloved country.

Our attempt has had to struggle with many hindrances, from the variety of subjects treated of; the pains of re search ; the fatigue and expense of personal inspection ; the very great difficulty of investigation that truth is sub ject to ; besides the tedious examination and comparison of many authorities which necessity obliged our reference to. These, with many other paramount causes, rendered our delay in publishing much longer than we expected. Should any neglect or mishap occur to our attempt, it is hoped it will not be worse than what has happened to some of the greatest works that have adorned the republic of Science. Hence Gulliver's Travels were unnoticed for ten years ; Waverley for twelve ; and Paradise Lost could hardly find a Publisher ! ! ! But " There's mercy in every place, And mercy, encouraging thought ; Gives even affliction a grace, And reconciles man to his lot." Cowper. AN

INTRODUCTION.

TO THE HISTORY OF IRELAND.

Section I. The Geographical Description Of Ireland

Ireland is the most westerly island in Europe ; bounded on the north by the Deucaledonian Sea; on the south, by the mouth of St. George's Channel, or Virginian Sea ; on the east, by the Irish Sea (commonly called St. George's Channel) ; on the west, by the great Atlantic Ocean. It is situated between 5 and 10 degrees of west longitude, and between 51 and 56 degrees of north latitude. Its greatest length from north to south is aver aged at 300 miles, and its greatest breadth 150; in circumfer ence 1,400; its area, or superficial contents, 11,057,522 Irish plantation acres, or 14,071,261 English acres, The averaged proportion is, as to England and Wales, as 18 to 30, or 2 to 3. Its average in square miles, about 18,699 ; having a growing population of nearly 8,000,000 people. Ireland is divided into four provinces, viz. — Leinster, Ulster, Munster, and Connaught ; and subdivided into 32 counties, viz. LEINSTER, TWELVE COUNTIES.

Counties. Shire, or chief Towns. Situated on these Rivers. Dublin Dublin Liftey. T , 5 Dundalk Irish Sea. Loum I Drogheda Boyne. Meath Trim Boyne. Westmeath Mullingar Brusna. Longford Longford Cromlin. „. , rx { Philipstown and Barrow. kings County J Tullamore Tullamore. Queen's County Maryborough Barrow. Kilkenny Kilkenny Nore. „.,, ( Naas Liffey. Klldare \ Athy Barrow. Carlow Carlow Barrow. Wexford Wexford Slaney. MUNSTER, SIX COUNTIES. Shire, or chief Towns. Situated on these Rivers. Counties. Cork Lee. Tralee Leigh. Cork Kerry Limerick Clare Limerick Shannon. Ennis Fergus. Tipperary Waterford Clonmel Suir. Waterford Suir. FIVE COUNTIES. CONNAUGHT, Shire, or chief Towns. Situated on these Rivers. Counties. Galway Galway Bay. Castlebar Lanach. Galway Mayo' Sligo Roscommon Leitrim Sligo Sligo Bay.

Roscommon Suck. Carrick-on-Shannon Shannon. ULSTER, NINE COUNTIES. Counties. Shire, or chief Towns. Situated on these Rivers. Down Downpatrick. Strangford. Armagh Armagh. Callan. Antrim Carrickfergus Sea. Londonderry Londonderry Foyle. Donegal LirTord Fin. Fermanagh Enniskillen Erne. Cavan Cavan Erne. Monaghan Monaghan Near the Blackwater. Tyrone Omagh Cameron. The Assizes are held in tbe above chief towns only. The climate of Ireland differs but little from England ; its agricultural and commercial wealth would rapidly increase, were its soil and trade sufficiently encouraged. The northern parts, generally, are better cultivated, and its inhabitants better in formed than any other part of Ireland. The linen trade hitherto did much good for Ulster, but of late years that has been rivalled by the cotton ; especially since the introduction of steam.

Few countries abound more in extensive and beautiful lakes, rivers, and scenery. In Ireland there are 118 chartered boroughs, all which, be fore the Union, returned two members each to Parliament : but since that period only 34 are franchised (See Sect. 24). There are also 260 divisions of the country, called baronies, from their ancient governors, called barons ; who generally got these portions as rewards or fees for their loyalty or courage. These baronies were subdivided by parishes, so called from having been designed as the particular or parochial boundaries for the particular spheres of priests' and bishops' jurisdictions; of these there are 2293 in Ireland, by the old divisional plans ; which have been, by the addition of cultivated lands, increased of late years to 2305 parishes. In the Established Church there are 4 archbishops, and 18 bishops, having 33 deans, and 34 archdeacons, with 1845 church livings, and 1216 churches (See Sect. 23).

The Romish Church has 4 archbishops, and 28 bishops, 34 archdeacons, (of late the Romish hierarchy have added Galway to their number, making in all 24 bishops), with of course a similar number of parish priests as there are rectors in the church establishment, 1845 ; which, with the several Dominicans, Franciscans, Capuchins, Augustinians, Carmelites Discalced, and Jesuit Friars, the whole of the Romish Clergy may be averaged at 4072 : besides 598 Presbyterian ; 30 Moravian ; 30 nominal Quakers, male and female ; 146 Wesleyan Ministers, with 300 Local Preachers ; 100 Independents; 61 Seceding Methodist Preachers, having 50 Local Helpers ; and 20 New Light Methodist Preachers; making in all 7631 professed Ministers of the Gospel, for the kingdom; being 1022 people for each Minister, Priest, or Preacher.

The principal exports of Ireland are black cattle, beef, pork, sheep, butter, hides, linen, diaper, horses, mules, and pigs ; grain of all kinds, whiskey, kelp, &c, &c. Our imports are, iron, groceries, liquors, timber, silk, woollens, &c, &c. Ireland was anciently divided into contrades ; so called from contrado, a Latin word, implying divisions : each contrade contained 31 townlands, each townland to pasture 300 cows, and to have eight ploughlands in each ; each ploughland to be capable of employing one plough at work through the year, allowing half an acre in the day for each plough's work ; so that, allowing 184 contrades for the kingdom, it was capable of pasturing 1,710,200 cows, with multitudes of sheep ; and having 6,624,000 acres for tillage lands and woods. It is generally allowed that there is not in Europe a more temperate climate than Ireland, because the extremities of heat and cold are generally qualified by the constant accession of vapours from tbe surrounding seas, rivers, and lakes.

The fertility of the soil is proverbial for all sorts of grain, seeds, plants, and shrubs ; while the abundance of fresh water constantly affords ample supplies of fish of all kinds. Ireland has great advantages for trade of every kind, from its peculiarly insulated situation, to all foreign parts ; but with Europe especially, through the protection and paternal support of its gracious monarchs and governors, from time to time, c which, not only by the faith of treaties, but by long-established friendship, it is still taught, with confidence, to expect ; and, under Providence, should be thankful for.

Section II. The Origin Of The Name

" IRELAND.' Ireland had formerly many names given to it, from its various invaders and assumed proprietors. The Latins called it Hibernia, Insidum Sacrum (or holy island), from the many learned men it produced ; also from no venomous beast living on its soil. From the rapid progress of Christianity in it, aud from the many zealous missionaries it sent to various parts, ill the 5th, 6th, and 7th centuries, it was called tbe Island of Saints. Others derive its name from tbe Irish word Hiere, or West, from its western situation : others give it a Celtic origin, from Iri, Erin, lere, lererne and Iris ; bence Overnia, Inverna, and Hibernia. The term Scotia, from Scot, a stranger, is of Gothic origin. The learned Bochart derives Hibernia from the Phœni cian Ibernœ, or farthest western habitation.

Bede and Isidore call it Scotia, from its first strange inhabitants, who were Scy thians; hence it was often called, by the old learned writers, Scotia Major, to distinguish it from Scotia Minor, or North Bri tain, now called Scotland. It was long called Scotia, before Scotland was known as Caledonia or Albania. Plutarch and Tacitus, A. D. 69, mention Ierne as a most ancient island; and Ptolemy, 284 years before the Christian era, called it Little Britain^ to distinguish it from England : but the immortal Homer, 700 years before Ptolemy, spoke of it by the name Ogygia, or the most western island. And so renowned was Ireland among tbe courts of Europe in A. D. 1414, that the English ambassador claimed precedence at the Council of Constance, for bis master, tbe King of England, Henry Vth, as Lord of Ireland, and fully succeeded, as the great antiquity of Ireland was by that Council allowed to have been undisputed.

Section III. The Aboriginal Or First Inhabitants Of Ireland

On this subject the famous Cambrensis, English Chaplain to Henry H., and others, make the first settlers in Ireland to have been direct from Syria, by Macedonia, either with Cesara or Partholanus, near relatives of Noah, 300 years after the flood ; or about the 1978th year of the world. The Psalters of Casbel and Tara, the most ancient of Irish records, nearly agree with Canibrensis; and mention Inb/ter Scheme, in the west of Munster, now called Kerry, as tbe place of their landing; being only about 1000 in number, in sixty rude kind of vessels or nominal ships : after these Parthola nians came the Nemedians, Firbolgs, Belgians, Damnonians, Galenians, and Danans, all wandering Asiatic tribes. In after days the Phœnicians and Carthaginians found their way to Spain, and their descendants, called Milesians, from Mi lesius, the father and king of Heber, Heremon, aud Ith, tbe first of that race that came to Ireland.

The latter being killed trea cherously only on coming on a voyage of pleasure to Ireland, his brothers came to revenge his death, and soon conquered the descendants of the first settlers, in the 2737th year of the world, being 752 years after the first settlers came. Heremon and Heber, on conquering the Irish settlers, divided the kingdom between them, and then falling out, Heremon got the whole to himself, and drove Heber away ; who thence settled, it is said, in, and peopled tbe Hebrides in the west of Scotland. The descendants of this Heremon retained the royal office for 2437 years, after the reigns of 169 kings, in defiance of the various attempts of twenty-one invasions and several insur rections, till the boundless ambition of Henry II. of England, (aided by Pope Adrian IVth's Bull) came, and by policy de prived them and their posterity of their national independence.

The dissensions of the then Irish nobility led to tbis change, as they had no centre of union, but living in constant distrust of each other, which eventually led to some more stable or rational system. Henry II. used often say, " the world was only sufficient for one great man ;" and Adrian IV. longed much to add Ireland to his holy see, especially as that addition would also bring him the Peter-pence — or penny a-head from all the natives, as a tribute to the Pontiffs — according to the custom of those days. (See Sect. 6). The far-famed learning and piety of the ancient Irish, especially their pastors, was such as must have given dignity to any cause they would espouse ; they, therefore, would have added much honour to Rome on their accession thereto : but on making the trial, by the force of English arms and power, more than by the persuasions of reason and truth, Adrian found himself much disappointed in their refusal to the Romish union ; and so it continued even till the 6th Lateran Council of Trent, iu 1546, thirty-six years after, when the Irish Church refused its compliance to that great council, on the moveability of the feast of Easter, in 282 years after.

The Irish divisions of the Romish Church differ in some points of doctrine and discipline also, which make their opponents wonder what is become of their boasted infallibility. In 1825, when the Irish Roman bishops were examined on oath before the British Committee of Lords, they declared that " the Scriptures were the most sure rule of faith and morals, and that traditions were only considered as true sy far as supported by reason aad Scripture alone." Dr. Magee, then Protestant archbishop of Dublin, on his examination, also asserted, " that all who believe that Scripture is the only just rule for faith and practice, and in the universal right of private judgment to interpret those Scriptures, are thereby Protestants." Here we see the Romish chief bishops and the Protestant hierarchy perfectly agreed ; and what a folly that any sectarian views, feelings, or selfishness, could create any spirit of discord among such respectable bodies of professing Christians ! how much better for every class to hail their fellow men of every creed, as the professed children of one common Father, by whom all are designed to glorify God on earth, and then to enjoy Him for ever ; whereas furious opposition to those of different creeds shews that the opposers are either doubtful of their own opinions, or else they are envious of others ; in either case they act inconsistently as true Christians, whose invariable motto should be " Peace and good-will to all men."

How many vouchers of Orientalism even at this day survive in Ireland ! The " God save you," " God save all here," which are the ordinary ejaculations at an Irish meeting, as well as those of " God bless you," " God be with yon," at parting, cannot but remind the hearer of the " God be gracious to thee my son," and other similar phrases of salutation and benediction so peculiar to the East. The hand joined in hand so often recorded in Scripture, as tbe seal of contract ; the May fires, (which Mr. Maurice says are celebrated on the same day in India,) and those on St. John's eve, with the incidental exercises of leaping through the flame, and the various instances of veneration for that element, so curiously coinciding with those practices at the feast of fire, as mentioned by Sonnerat (Travels, vol. 1. p. 154) ; the feastings, cries at funerals, and stone heaps on road sides, where murders, real or supposed, took place, and innumerable other instances in Ireland, so deducible from Oriental prejudice ; to which, perhaps, we may be allowed to add, the free and liberal hospitality recorded in the Old Testament, recommended in the New, and still celebrated by every Eastern tourist ; that hospitality which the Hindoos so beautifully inculcate by the proverb, " the tree does not withdraw its shade even from the woodcutter," and which can in its fulness be met with in Ireland ; these, and various other parallel customs, seem clearly to demonstrate that Asia was the immediate cradle of the ancient Irish people.

Section IV. The Transfer Of Ireland To England, In

1172. Dermod, then king of Leinster, being a licentious monster, seduced the wife of O'Rourke, king of Breffny (or Cavan), during her husband's absence on a pilgrimage to Lough Derg. This circumstance heightened the rage of the other princes so that they combined to destroy him. Dermod, fearing this, fled to England to intreatKing Henry II. to help him, on condition of doing homage for his Irish dominions. Henry, though flat tered by the offer, could not help him then, farther than giving him licence to enlist soldiers for his service in England. Hence Dermod went to Bristol, where, after a long and fruitless delay, he accidentally met Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, who being then reduced in his circumstances, and opposed to the royal fa vour, was glad of any change to better himself. To ensure his accession, Dermod promised him his daughter in marriage, and the reversion of his kingdom at his death.

Pembroke, being so flattered, promised Dermod his assistance the ensuing Spring. On Dermod's return to Ireland, through Wales, he met with the famous Robert Fitzstephen, governor of Cardigan, and his maternal brother, Maurice Fitzgerald, both knights of valour. With these Dermod made another bargain, by giving them Wexford town, and a large tract of land around, provided they would also join him. They consented, and came tbe ensuing May, 1170, with Maurice Prendergast, 40 knights, 60 men in armour, and 500 archers ; and landed at Bannow, twelve miles below Wexford, in two ships, called Bag and Bun (hence two rocks in that place retain those names ever since). Fitzgerald soon after came, with more renegade followers : their accession gave great courage to Dermod; their succeeding conquests so fired him with ambition, that he ear nestly pressed Pembroke, to hasten to him ; who at last came in August, 1771, with the great Raymond Le Gross, nephew to Fitzstephen.

They soon took Waterford, though valiantly resisted in three great efforts, but in the last succeeded, and put all they could to the sword. On Dermod's arrival, and giving his daughter in marriage to Strongbow, they and the Welch knights in Wexford joined, and soon after took Dub lin, and then stood out for tbe kingdom at large. Henry, fearing Strongbow's ambition and villany, hastened to hinder his conquests; first summoning him to England. Pembroke, on obeying, got his pardon, and came to Ireland with King Henry II. who landed at Waterford, in October, 1172, acting as under the bull of Pope Adrian IV. " to promote the conversion of the Irish," and for which " to use every means in his power," but to be sure of " securing the Peter-pence, and the other rights of the Romish See." On Henry's arrival, the several princes of Ireland vied with each other in offering him their homage as to a mediator only, to allay their various feuds, sooner than to Pembroke, whose tyranny made him universally hated.

But Henry's policy gained him more and more popularity ; so that the clouds of feudal days seemed to vanish before the rising sun of sweet prolific order. Hence, after settling the form of government on the plan of England, and leaving Sir Hugh De Lacy his lord lieutenant, Henry returned to England. Hereby Ireland became nomi nally connected with England, until King John received a for mal allegiance from the Irish princes in 1210, pledging himself they should have all the privileges of his English subjects. In 1216, King Henry III. farther confirmed King John's favours of 1210, by granting to Ireland the privileges of Magna Charta (See Sect. 20): then only Ireland became an integral part of the British Empire. An entry of this important fact was reported found not long since in the Red Book of the Exchequer, at Dublin — perhaps when the old records were removing to the new Four Courts, for future uses.

All these benefits to Ireland were endangered by the restless ambition of the Irish princes, who greatly regretted their adhe sions to England ; while the people generally seemed secure and happy in their choice. " O curst ambition, man's great foe, Close grated by the sordid bars of sense, All prospect of eternity shuts out, And but for execution ne'er sets free." Thus ended the Milesian power in Ireland, after an existence of more than 2500 years. The first coming of the Milesians was neither wished for nor wanted, but forced ; and after so long a trial, they were found incapable of royal power. The English monarch being invited, and on coming proved himself eligible his successors acting as centres of union, and capable of being balances of power, to protect the innocent and punish the guilty; and while they so act with continued honour and justice, con tentment should be joyfully possessed by all classes ; and none will be otherwise but the foolish, intemperate, and profligate, whose advice and example will always lead to anarchy, confusion, and destruction.

Section V. The Ancient Learning Of Ireland

As Nieul, a Scythian prince, it is generally allowed by the learned, founded the empire of science in Greece, so his descendants, on coming to Ireland, disembarked their improvements in trade, agriculture, and Asiatic learning. This Nieul, according to the Psalters of Cashel and Tara (the most ancient and perfect of Irish records), was a contemporary with Moses in Egypt ; from whom he learned the knowledge of the true God, and transmitted the same to bis posterity in Scythia ; and to Spain, through his son-in-law, Milesius, their then king. From the same source heraldry was invented, and their first national device was a dead serpent under the rod of Moses, to commemorate the cure of the serpent's bite on Gadelas, Nieul's son, by the application of the rod of Moses, the night after Moses and Nieul got .acquainted ; which heraldic device for Ireland continued till A. M. 3082, under the reign of Ollamh Fodhla, the 20th monarch of the Milesian race, when a change took place by orders of the famous assembly of the states, at Thees More, near Tara, in Meath ; where an annual settlement was afterwards had during the Milesian usurpation, at which all disputes among princes, states, and people, were ad justed, and laws and plans for futurity laid down.

It was then enacted that the druids and bards should instruct the youth of the country. This place of annual resort was soon called Labaragh, or the Talking Place ; and Ptolemy, speaking of Ireland in those days, calls it Laberus. This accounts for the origin of Irish records of laws and customs ; prior to which they were confined to the memory, and too often false honour, of the druids or bards, which soon appeared suspicious; which, of necessity, led to written records, as more authentic. The druids, like all impostors, preferred the traditionary plan, as thereby they hoped to continue the empire of their wicked sway : but the promulgation of the Scriptures, which took place in A. D. 600, gave convincing proofs of the necessity and advantages of written laws : so that the druids' traditionary plans were thrown into a shade on the triumph of reason and truth.

Bede, Spencer, Camden, Scaliger, and Rapin, agree in the an tiquity of Irish literature, long before France, Italy, or Eng land had any scientific men ; hence, said they, '• the Saxon youths, from England, through special favour of the Irish princes, especially tbe kings of Connauglit, received their education at the old college of Meig», or Mayo. Of these the renowned Alfred of England was one, under Johannes Scotus, who thence brought Scotus to England, and laid the foundation of the College of Oxford, about A. D. 800. King Charles the Bald of France, also, having heard of Scotus's fame, brought him to France, and founded tbe College of Notre Dame, in Paris, shortly after. Thus England, deservedly great in arms, arts, and every ho nour that can dignify the moral world, owes the foundation of her greatness to the industry of Alfred and the learning of the famed Johannes Scotus, from the old College of Mayo I And again, Rapin says, " It is strange that the conversion of the English should be ascribed to Austin, from Rome, instead of Aidan, Finian, Coleman, Odd, Diumnia, Fvrsvs, and other mis sionaries from Ireland."